Why the Best Leaders Enter 2026 With Emotional Discipline

“Dinner next Wednesday night. I’ll be there.” 

I was eager to meet with the stakeholders to discuss goals for the new year, the new direction, and ideas for growth. I had many ideas, things I needed clarity on, and general excitement about the future. 

The day of the meeting came… 

But the meeting didn’t happen. 

I’m not sure if they forgot. 

If I got the time wrong. 

Or if there was a miscommunication. 

But I… was MAD. 

Why would they bail on me?

How could they disrespect my time?

Do they not care about the future of the business? 

I got so frustrated with them, I began to consider an exit strategy, completely new avenues, maybe this just wasn’t for me.

 And then by some divine mental intervention, I heard that deeper, more wise part of myself say, 

“You reacting emotionally, not leading intentionally.” 

It didn’t sting. It didn’t make me more upset. 

It WOKE ME UP. 

The uncomfortable truth was: 

1. The problem wasn’t them. 

2. The problem wasn’t the meeting. 

3. The problem wasn’t the miscommunication. 

It was I allowed my emotions to drive me. 

How far would I let this go? 

Anytime an employee said something contrary, 

→ Would I feel triggered? 

If the C-Suite decided to pivot, 

→ Would I take it personally? 

Any of the issues we might face, 

→ Would I allow myself to get offended? 

Here’s the takeaway: 

When you take offense → You build a fence.

And that fence blocks: 

• Trust 

• Growth 

• Progress 

• Achievement 

Many of us leaders have incredible talent, skills, and drive, 

But what we lack is EMOTIONAL REGULATION. 

For the leaders reading this, I’m sure you’ve never lashed out at anyone… 

But have you built quiet resentment that slowly starts calling the shots? 

Because this is almost certain… 

• Your employees aren’t trying to sabotage you. 

• The higher-ups aren’t trying to undo all your hard work. 

• The problems aren’t the universe working against you. 

Instead, it’s our emotional reaction to these things that causes us to “crash out.” 

Epictetus put it like this in The Enchiridion, 

“It is not things themselves that disturb us, but our judgments about things.” 

These things aren’t happening to cause you to fail, they’re happening to sharpen you. 

All failure is feedback. All disappointments are diagnostics. 

Showing us how we can improve in one area or another.

If we want to become great leaders in 2026, then one of the top skills we should be cultivating is Emotional Intelligence. 

According to Daniel Goleman, Emotional Intelligence is one of the strongest indicators of leadership effectiveness. When we properly manage our emotions, we will always outperform those who don’t. 

This isn’t being passive 

It’s being DISCIPLINED. 

You can’t control: 

• Their reactions 

• Their decisions 

• Their perspectives 

But you can control: 

• Your response 

• Your interpretation 

• Your emotional state 

The moment I quit reacting emotionally to disagreement, criticism, and even miscommunication, everything changed. 

1. Clarity 

2. Conversations 

3. And momentum 

As you get ready to step into 2026, honestly ask yourself: 

Do I allow my emotions to dictate my leadership and growth? 

Because just as stoics like Epictetus would say, 

Leading others is less about strategy 

And more about self-mastery. 

Let’s make moves in 2026, 

—Chase

PS - The meeting did happen. It went incredible. We ate at Cracker Barrel.

2026 is going to be incredible. Wishing you and your team a Happy New Year!

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